Wesley Corpus

I made some additions to the "Calm Address to our Ame rican Colonies." Need any one ask from what motive this was wrote? Let him look round: England is in a flame ! A flame of malice and rage against the King, and almost all that are in authority under him. I labour to put out this flame. Ought not every true patriot to do the same? If hireling writers on either side judge of me by themselves, that I cannot help. I was desired to preach, in Bethnal-Green church, a charity sermon for the widows and orphans of the soldiers that were killed in America. Knowing how many would seek occasion of offence, I wrote down my sermon. I dined with Sir John Hawkins and three other gentlemen that are in com mission for the peace; and was agreeably surprised at a very serious conversation, kept up during the whole time I stayed. I preached at Dorking; the next evening at Ryegate-place, I think, to the largest congregation that I have seen there. But still I fear we are ploughing upon the sand : We see no fruit of our labours. Friday, 17. I crossed over to Shoreham, the most fruitful place in all the Circuit, and preached in the evening to a people just ripe for all the Gospel promises, on, "Now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and wash away thy sins." The next morning I returned to London. -I went on to Robertsbridge, and preached to a deeply attentive congregation. Tuesday, 21. Several were with us in the evening at Rye, who had never heard a Methodist sermon before. However, considering the bulk of the congre gation, more than an handful of Gentry, I earnestly besought them not to "receive the grace of God in vain." The next evening I applied part of the thirteenth chapter of the First Nov. 1775. JOURNAL. 59 Epistle to the Corinthians. Many were shaken when they weighed themselves in that balance. May we not be found wanting in that day ! About noon I preached at Cranbrook, and in the evening at Staplehurst. Friday, 24. I preached at Seven oaks, and on Saturday returned to London. In some of my late little journeys I read Mr. Wraxal's Travels, in which are several ingenious remarks.